In the midst of the holiday season, as families gather and merriment fills the air, there is an unwelcome guest lurking. No, it's not the Grinch stealing Christmas joy, but rather a less festive visitor: the flu and COVID-19. Brace yourselves, my dear readers, for health officials predict that these infections are about to ramp up in the coming weeks. And what's to blame? Well, we have a combination of holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated individuals, and a new version of the coronavirus that seems to be spreading with alarming ease.
Now, it seems like the flu has decided to join the party, as high levels of flu-like illnesses were reported in 17 states last week, up from 14 the previous week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sounded the alarm, reminding us that our desire to see loved ones and travel during this season only contributes to the mixing pot of viral spread. Dr. Manisha Patel from the CDC expressed her concern, stating the obvious: 'Folks are traveling a lot more this season. They want to see their families. And all of that sort of adds to the mix.'
But wait, there's more! We can't forget our ever-evolving coronavirus, which has introduced a new player called the omicron variant, or JN.1. This sneaky little variant was detected in the U.S. in September and currently accounts for about 20% of cases. Brace yourselves, because the CDC expects it to reach a staggering 50% in the next two weeks. Maybe it spreads easier or is craftier at evading our immune systems, but at least health officials are telling us there's no evidence that it causes more severe disease than other recent variants. Phew! And lucky for us, vaccines and antiviral medications are still effective against it.
While COVID-19 continues to hog the headlines, the flu is not one to be forgotten. Early signs suggest that the current flu vaccines are well-matched to the prevailing strain causing most of the illnesses. Lucky us, right? This particular strain usually doesn't lead to as many deaths and hospitalizations as its counterparts. So that's a bit of a relief. However, there is one big problem: vaccinations are down this year. According to the CDC, only about 42% of U.S. adults had gotten their flu shots by the first week of December, compared to about 45% in the same period last year. We seem to be dragging our feet, not only when it comes to flu shots but also with other crucial vaccinations.
Let's take a moment to address the elephant in the room, or rather, the COVID-19 booster shot. Despite the availability of an updated COVID-19 shot since September, a mere 18% of Americans have received it. And when it comes to our cherished elderly population, only 33% of nursing home residents are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. To add to our vaccination woes, a mere 17% of adults aged 60 and older have received new shots against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can be dangerous for infants and older individuals.
The situation is dire enough for the CDC to sound the alarm and send a health alert to doctors across the nation, urging them to ensure their patients are immunized against this trifecta of viruses. And who's feeling the brunt of the respiratory infection surge? The Carolinas, my friends. They are currently experiencing the highest traffic in emergency rooms. Dr. Scott Curry, an infectious diseases specialist, warns that this might just be the tip of the iceberg, stating, 'We've barely been cold in South Carolina, and flu tends to hit us very hard when people actually get some cold weather to deal with. We could get worse, very easily, in the next four to eight weeks.'
Now, before you start barricading your doors and canceling all holiday plans, let's remember that awareness is always key. Stay informed, follow the guidance of health officials, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and consider alternatives to large gatherings. Though the flu and COVID-19 may be lingering like uninvited relatives, we have the power to minimize their impact and keep the holiday season as joyful and healthy as possible.
In the midst of this chaos, remember to take care of yourselves, my dear readers. Enjoy the festivities, but stay vigilant. And who knows, maybe next year we'll be celebrating a holiday season free of pandemic worries. Fingers crossed!
